Early evolution of the endomesoderm gene regulatory network

Little is known about evolutionary origin of the developmental gene regulatory networks active in development of all Eumetazoans (animals with nerves and digestive systems). Sponges are key models to study transition from protists to eumetazoans, with recent gene expression data supporting homology between sponge and eumetazoan tissues and body plans. Using the latest sequencing and molecular technologies, this project aims to unravel evolutionary history of the endomesoderm gene network by identifying target genes of its conserved components in calcareous sponge Sycon. While the generated data will illuminate the evolutionary history of animal body plan, the developed methods should open avenues for further research using this model.